Features of Cells

• What is the structure of the nuclear envelope?

  It is a double membrane with pores.
• What is the function of the pores in the nuclear envelope?

  Pores control the movement of ions, molecules, and RNA from the nucleoplasm to the cytoplasm.
• What is found inside the nucleus?

  The nucleus contains a semi-solid fluid called nucleoplasm, chromatin, and a nucleolus.
• What type of chromosomes are present in the nucleus of eukaryotes?

  Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes made up of DNA.
• What is the role of the nucleolus?

  The nucleolus is where ribosomal RNA is joined with proteins to form ribosomal units.
• What is the largest substructure in the nucleus?

  The largest substructure in the nucleus is the nucleolus.
• What components make up the nucleolus?

  The nucleolus is made up of RNA, proteins, and DNA.
• What is the function of ribosomes?

  Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
• Where can ribosomes be found in the cell?

  Ribosomes can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
• What is the structure of mitochondria?

  Mitochondria are oval-shaped and have a double membrane.
• What is contained within the mitochondrial matrix?


  The mitochondrial matrix contains enzymes for respiration, DNA, and ribosomes.
• Why do muscle cells have many mitochondria?

  Muscle cells have many mitochondria because they need a lot of energy for contraction/movement.
• What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

  The Golgi apparatus sorts, packages, and tags proteins and lipids for transport.
• What are Golgi vesicles?

  Golgi vesicles are membrane-bound, fluid-filled vesicles found in the cytoplasm that store and transport modified proteins and lipids.
• What enzyme do lysosomes contain?

  Lysosomes contain an enzyme called lysozymes.
• What is the function of lysozymes?

  Lysozymes break down proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and old organelles.
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plants?

  Chloroplasts are used to provide energy for photosynthesis.
• What is the structure of ribosomes?

  Ribosomes are small organelles made of protein subunits and are not covered by membranes.
• What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?


  The two types of endoplasmic reticulum are smooth ER and rough ER.
• What is the difference between smooth ER and rough ER?

  Smooth ER has no ribosomes on its surface, while rough ER has fixed ribosomes on its surface.
• What is the main composition of the plasma membrane?

  The plasma membrane is mainly made up of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol.
• What is the significance of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of phospholipids in the plasma membrane?

  The hydrophilic region faces outward, while the hydrophobic area faces inward, preventing polar molecules from passing through the membrane.
• What is the composition of fungal cell walls?

  Fungal cell walls are made up of chitin.
• What is the composition of plant and algal cell walls?

  Plant and algal cell walls are made up of cellulose.
• What is the function of the cell wall?

  The cell wall provides structure and shape for the cell.
• What is the shape of centrioles?


  Centrioles have a cylindrical shape.
• What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?

  Centrioles help to organize the mitotic spindle during mitosis.
• What are flagella?


  Flagella are hair-like structures that help organisms move.
• How do bacterial flagella differ from eukaryotic flagella?

  Bacterial flagella are helical and made up of flagellin, while eukaryotic flagella consist of a pair of microtubules surrounded by nine other pairs of microtubules.
• What is the composition of microtubules in flagella?

  Microtubules in flagella are made from tubulin.
• How do eukaryotic flagella help organisms move?

  Eukaryotic flagella help organisms move with a whipping motion.
• How do bacterial flagella assist in movement?


  Bacterial flagella help organisms move in a propeller-like way.